5 Signs You Need Dryer Vent Cleaning

After drying a load of laundry it is important to always empty the lint out of your dryer. Though, this practice helps reduce the risk of fire hazards, it may not be enough to keep your home safe and energy efficient. Sometimes, you need to clean beyond the removable lint trap. There are several signs that you can observe that indicate lint has traveled into your vents. Below, we list 5 signs you need dryer vent cleaning.

5 Signs You Need Dryer Vent Cleaning

1. Clothes take longer than normal to dry.

How long does it take to dry your clothes? Depending on the amount of clothes thrown into the dryer, it can range from 20 minutes to 1.5 hours. However, If you’ve noticed a considerable slowdown, and your clothes are still damp after 45 minutes or longer for an average load, then it might be time to call in the professionals. This is often the first sign of lint build up in your vents. It can be inconvenient having to dry your clothes twice or maybe even 3 times before they are fully dry. It also racks up your utility bill if you are needing to run the dryer more frequently. Therefore, when you go grab your clothes and they are still damp, consider scheduling your annual vent cleaning.

2. Clothes are unusually hot to the touch.

Ouch! The clothes in your dryer shouldn’t be too hot. The most common reason for a dryer overheating is restricted air flow. The first step is cleaning your lint trap, but if your dryer is still too hot it might mean you have lint in the duct. Your dryer vent ducts act as a chimney for the hot air to escape. When the “chimney” is blocked, all of the hot air will be contained in the dryer causing your clothes to be extra warm. Check this problem by going outside and seeing if you feel air coming from the vent when the dryer is running. 

3. The dryer stops working.

Sometimes, a dryer will automatically shut off if it detects too much heat. This could be a safety mechanism built into the dryer. Sometimes dryers will burn out and also be a reason why it stops working. If this happens, consider cleaning the dryer vent to see if it solves the problem before you leave and buy a new appliance.

4. The lint flap isn’t opening.

When you’re using your dryer, the lint flap outside should open. If it doesn’t, it could mean you have restricted air flow and this is usually due to trapped lint in your dryer vent duct. This can quickly become a safety hazard if it is not managed. According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 17,000 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year. It’s also important you take notice of any lint coming outside through this vent.

5. It’s been more than a year since cleaning the vent.

No matter how diligently you clean your lint filter, lint will make it into your dryer vent and over time clog your system. It is highly recommended that your dryer vent be thoroughly cleaned out by a professional once a year. Spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to get this annual chore done! If you can’t answer the question, “when’s the last you cleaned your dryer vent,” then you should contact us today. Schedule your dryer vent cleaning with Amber’s Air Duct Cleaning by calling (517) 885-3000.